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News Wrap-Up: B40 Group, Transport Sector Benefit From Budget 2019

Nov 05, 2018

Budget Perks For B40

Households with low income, namely the B40 group are among the biggest beneficiaries of Budget 2019.

This, after the Pakatan Harapan government announced that 'Bantuan Sara Hidup' will continue to be given to the B40 group, with households receiving between RM500 to RM1000 based on their monthly income. 

Additional aid of RM120 will be given for each child aged 18 years and below, while there is no age limit for disabled kids. 

From January 1st next year, the government will also introduce a National Health Protection Fund for families in the B40 category. 

The sceheme will provide free coverage for four critical diseases, for up to RM8,000 and a maximum of 14 days replacement income during treatment. 

Transportation

The government will launch a monthly RM100 unlimited travel pass for all rail services starting January 1st next year. 

Image: Klia2.info

Another monthly RM50 travel pass will also be introduced for RapidKL bus services, to encourage more people to use public transport.

Owners of vehicles with engine capacity of 1,500cc and below or motorcycles of 125cc and below will be able to enjoy a subsidy of at least 30 sen per litre for RON95 petrol.

The subsidy will start in the second quarter of next year. 

Also starting next year, tolls for motorcycles on the First and Second Penang Bridge and the Second Link in Johor will be abolished.

Image: The Sun Daily 

Meanwhile, there will be a freeze on toll hikes on city highways throughout 2019. 

National Higher Education Fund

Image: Mstar

The government has announcced several initiatives to ensure the sustainability of PTPTN.

This includes the option of payment through deductions of between 2 and 15 percent from the borrower's salary, based on their monthly income rate. 

However, this system will only be applicable to borrowers earning more than RM1,000 a month.

Meanwhile, individual income tax breaks for PTPTN will also be increased to RM 8,000.